It can also be a valid defense mechanism against those rising expectations. I did the same before I learned to accept my limits and say no to what went beyond

It can also be a valid defense mechanism against those rising expectations. I did the same before I learned to accept my limits and say no to what went beyond them, including pressure on myself to keep my commitments. It actually makes perfect sense that if you can't resist the pull of expectations, you'd better make sure expectations remain at a (relatively low) level you'll be able to live up to even in down-time.